Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says he is now considering several recommendations put forward by the Transport Authority and Jamaica Constabulary Force to monitor ride-sharing operators.

These recommendations follow a meeting between representatives of the Transport Authority, the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and other government entities.

“Coming out of this meeting this morning, I have been sent a brief, and the recommendations being considered are as follows: Local ride-hailing operators should engage only registered public passenger vehicle (PPV) drivers that satisfy Transport Authority requirements. The ride-hailing operators are to submit the requested particulars of the operators for review at the earliest, so the ball is in their court. Further to that, the Transport Authority will submit its recommendation to the Minister in respect of these ride-hailing entities that are complying with the current legal licensing arrangement for both vehicles and drivers,” Vaz outlined.

He said these proposed recommendations will ensure the monitoring of both the vehicles and operators of these ride-sharing apps.

The Transport Minister said the authorities are set to inform him of the ride-hailing entities that have met the security standards, after which they will be allowed to continue providing their services.

“They are already far down the wicket because they have been in constant touch with the Transport Authority, so as it relates to the local ride-hailing operators, I don’t think it will be very long before they will be able to restart their apps,” Vaz said.

Recommendations for international ride-sharing operators will see them register a business locally with representatives in the country to engage the Transport Authority and other local authorities.

“The international ride-hailing industry should engage the Transport Authority to facilitate the vetting of vehicles and operators for fit and proper services,” Vaz said.

He noted that Uber remains the only foreign-based provider to engage the government in becoming regularised and has moved to provide a proposal.

“The proposal that they have sent to regulate ride-sharing services in Jamaica includes two documents. A regulatory proposal for ride-sharing services includes requirements for transport network companies, vehicles, and drivers, such as insurance and safety verification, and an analysis of the general framework for ride-sharing services, including best practices and lessons learned from different countries and states around the world. They have shown me in this document how they intend to regulate taxi fares in accordance with the fare structure that is imposed by the Transport Authority in Jamaica and the validation of taxi licences. I am aware that today there has been a two-hour meeting with the Transport Authority and Uber, and I believe that in terms of the concerns that we have, we will be able to take care of them and get Uber up and running in short order,” the Minister said.

He said priority will be given to companies that operate ride-sharing apps to address concerns surrounding security and regulation.

“I hear the argument being posited that these apps are traceable and trackable, so that you know who picked up the person, where they went, and where they were let off. That can only help you in an investigation after the fact, after the crime has taken place. What I am trying to do is make sure we don’t need to get to that stage because we would have vetted and made that possibility less by knowing who is operating these vehicles for these ride-sharing apps.

I ask for a little patience. I know it has implications for many people who use it, but I want to say that national security must come first, as must the safety and security of citizens. If we can prevent one more unfortunate incident, such as what happened to the teacher who took a transportation option from one of these ride-sharing apps, then obviously it will be worth the inconvenience, the frustration, and the anxiety, and I do have the responsibility as minister to take tough decisions, and I am prepared,” Vaz said.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced an immediate ban on all ride-sharing apps until they meet regulatory requirements on Tuesday (4 June).

This decision follows the discovery of a body suspected to be that of 29-year-old teacher Danielle Anglin, who was reported missing in recent weeks. The educator reportedly chartered a taxi via a ride-sharing app from her home in Hellshire, St Catherine.